At the event, guests were entertained by Mickey and Minnie Mouse and got to meet celebrity guests. They were also treated to free Disney-Store Mickey ear hats and the chance to build their own custom car in the Disney-Pixar CARS-branded RIDEMAKERZ experience. Little princesses were able to wave their magic wands at the Disney Princess Castle’s magic mirror to activate a storytelling experience with their favorite princess.

According to a press release:

“Santa Monica is a terrific location for Disney Store with an eclectic vibe attracting local families and tourists,” said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide. “As we roll out our new Disney Store design which centers on providing the best 30 minutes of a child’s day through unique in-store attractions, it makes for the perfect family destination at the new Santa Monica Place where a fun Disney experience awaits everyone with each visit.”

The new Disney Store is one of 20 newly designed locations that will open across major markets in the U.S. and Europe in 2010 and is part of a plan to open more than 300 newly designed stores over the next five to seven years. In addition to Santa Monica and the already opened Montebello location, the next California location will open at San Diego’s Fashion Valley mall this in September. In Europe, Disney Store has already opened three newly designed stores in Spain, Italy and Portugal.

Over the next five to seven years, The Disney Store will open more than 300 newly designed locations, including 20 opening in 2010 across major markets in the U.S. and Europe.